Story: Claire Berry
The ‘thriving’ Verdon Recreation Centre is looking for a local community group to take over its management.
The centre was opened in 1988 after a need for a recreational facility in the area was identified. A partnership between Sheffield City Council and the Sports Council (now Sport England) funded and ran the centre.
A voluntary management committee, made up of local people, managed the centre successfully until around three years ago, when the pressures of running the facility became too much.
“The centre takes a lot of running,” said David Frith of Activity Sheffield. “The members gradually dropped out one by one until there was no-one left,” he added.
The Council’s Activity Sheffield is eager to reinstate a voluntary management committee to run the centre. At the moment Activity Sheffield put on their physical activities at the centre, but they want a community group to manage its opening at other times so it can be a more accessible facility. Activity Sheffield would still be involved to provide support and advice.
“The centre deserves to be back in community control,” said David Frith. “After all, the community knows what’s best for the community.”
Verdon Street is going from strength to strength and offers a wide range of activities to all ages.
For further details contact Verdon Recreation Centre on 249 1626 or Michalis Kallis, Activity Sheffield on 0790 993 6215.